Alaska's Massive Juneau Icefield May Dissappear By 2200 Due To Climate Change

The Juneau Icefield in Alaska is in danger of disappearing if the warm temperature will continue to rise due to climate change. This is based on the study conducted by the UAF's Geophysical Institute.

"By the end of this century, people will most likely not be able to see the Mendenhall Glacier anymore from the visitor's center," said Regine Hock, a glaciologist at the institute.

At present, Mendenhall Glacier, the fifth largest icefield in North America, can be seen from a U.S. Forest Service center. However, if the warming continues, the icy view may no longer be there, according to Science Daily.

With climate change brewing, Juneau Icefield is expected to lose 60 percent ice by 2099 and completely disappear by 2200. However, if the temperature stabilizes, the ice field will experience a regular amount of melting and eventually go back to its normal state.

In the study, the researchers used mathematical models as well as past and present data to observe how the Juneau Icefield in Alaska would react to various climatic conditions. The result of the team's study was published in a paper entitled "Journal of Glaciology," as per University of Alaska Fairbanks News.

The researchers used a Parallel Ice Sheet Model, a model glacier used worldwide, and integrated it with Weather Research and Forecasting Model data as well as information from Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning. The team were able to correct the data gathered and came out with a specific satisfying observation.

The team also found out that if the field would be in an ice-free state, the ice field will be able to go back to its contemporary state. This is due to the motivation on the formation of glacier brought about by the high altitude of the place, Cambridge University Press reported.

Take a trip over the Juneau Icefield of Alaska in the video below.